The Book of Funerals - Sunan an-Nasa'i

This commentary concerns the noble verse from Surah Ibrahim (14:27): "Allah will keep firm those who believe with the firm word in the worldly life and in the Hereafter." The companion Al-Bara' ibn 'Azib (may Allah be pleased with him) has narrated that this verse was revealed concerning the trial and torment of the grave.

Exegesis of the Verse

The "firm word" refers to the testimony of faith (La ilaha illallah) which stabilizes the believer's heart during the interrogation by the angels Munkar and Nakir in the grave. When questioned "Who is your Lord? What is your religion? Who is your prophet?" the believer who lived by tawhid will respond correctly by Allah's permission.

This divine firmness manifests in both temporal existence and the eternal realm. In this world, it provides spiritual steadfastness against doubts and temptations. In the grave, it becomes the means of answering correctly and being granted comfort until the Day of Resurrection.

Scholarly Perspectives

Imam al-Qurtubi states in his tafsir: "The trial of the grave is established by mutawatir narrations, and this verse indicates it. The believer's firmness comes from their correct belief and righteous deeds during earthly life."

Ibn Kathir comments: "Allah makes the believer steadfast in life through the kalimah when facing trials, and in death when answering in the grave, and finally when standing before the Lord on Judgment Day."

Practical Implications

This understanding emphasizes the importance of: 1) Sincere devotion to tawhid throughout life 2) Frequent remembrance of death and the hereafter 3) Seeking Allah's protection from the torment of the grave in daily prayers 4) Living in accordance with the shahadah's requirements.

Related hadith references include Sunan an-Nasa'i 2056 and other authentic narrations describing the grave's trial, confirming Al-Bara's interpretation that connects this Quranic verse with the believer's experience after burial.